Sean O’Brien: Ireland need to show class in Paris

Ireland’s record in Paris means the squad will be on its guard when they travel there next month, but Sean O’Brien has no qualms about admitting that Joe Schmidt’s side should be winning in the Stade de France if they are to be the team they aspire to be.

To put it another way, they need to show they are every bit as good as England.

Second in the championship table behind Eddie Jones’ team in 2017, Ireland begin their latest Six Nations assault on the outskirts of the French capital in just over four weeks, taking on a host that is in all sorts of turmoil. Jacques Brunel will have had just five weeks to prepare his players, the former Italy coach having assumed the reins from Guy Noves, whose tenure was ended abruptly after a debilitating record of just seven wins in 21 games.